What is barium sulfate?

Barium sulfate is in a group of drugs called contrast agents. Barium sulfate works by coating the inside of your esophagus, stomach, or intestines which allows them to be seen more clearly on a CT scan or other radiologic (x-ray) examination.

Barium sulfate is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Barium sulfate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about barium sulfate?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to barium sulfate. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent.

Before you use barium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have any allergies, or if you have asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease or high blood pressure, rectal cancer, a colostomy, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, a condition called pseudotumor cerebri, or if you have recently had a rectal biopsy or surgery on your esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding before your medical test.

Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about what to eat or drink within the 24-hour period before your test.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using barium sulfate?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to barium sulfate. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a contrast agent.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use barium sulfate:

asthma, eczema, or allergies;

a blockage in your stomach or intestines;

cystic fibrosis;

a colostomy;

rectal cancer;

heart disease or high blood pressure;

Hirschsprung's disease (a disorder of the intestines);

a condition called pseudotumor cerebri (high pressure inside the skull that may cause headaches, vision loss, or other symptoms);

a recent history of surgery on your esophagus, stomach, or intestines;

a history of perforation (a hole or tear) in your esophagus, stomach, or intestines;

if you have recently had a rectal biopsy;

if you have ever choked on food by accidentally inhaling it into your lungs;

if you are allergic to simethicone (Gas-X, Phazyme, and others); or

if you are allergic to latex rubber.

It is not known whether barium sulfate is harmful to an unborn baby, but the radiation used in x-rays and CT scans may be harmful. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Barium sulfate may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Before you use barium sulfate, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take barium sulfate?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Barium sulfate comes in tablets, paste, cream, or liquid forms.

In some cases, barium sulfate is taken by mouth. The liquid form may also be used as a rectal enema.

You may need to begin taking this medication at home a day before your medical test. Follow your doctor's instructions about how much of the medication to use and how often.

If you are receiving barium sulfate as a rectal enema, a healthcare professional will give you the medication at the clinic or hospital where your testing will take place.

Do not crush, chew, or break a barium sulfate tablet. Swallow the pill whole.

Dissolve the barium sulfate powder in a small amount of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

If you receive the medication as a liquid to take by mouth, shake the liquid well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about what to eat or drink within the 24-hour period before your test.

Store this medication at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you are taking barium sulfate at home, call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

What should I avoid while taking barium sulfate?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using barium sulfate.

Barium sulfate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

severe stomach pain;

severe cramping, diarrhea, or constipation;

sweating;

ringing in your ears;

confusion, fast heart rate; or

pale skin, weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild stomach cramps;

nausea, vomiting;

loose stools or mild constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect barium sulfate?

There may be other drugs that can interact with barium sulfate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about barium sulfate.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.